Laura Overstreet

Laura McGinty Overstreet died peacefully from the complications of aging on 16 November 2007 in Vancleave, MS. She was born in Atlanta on 5 April 1912, the fourth child of Stewart and Daisy Caldwell McGinty. She was also preceded in death by her siblings: two sisters, Eleanor Bickel and Emma Moran; and her three brothers, Arthur Park, Andrew Stewart, and William Wadsworth McGinty. Upon her marriage to Dr. Robin M. Overstreet on 11 July 1936, the couple moved to Portland, Oregon. In 1938, Dr. Overstreet became the first pediatrician in Eugene, Oregon. She often accompanied him on house calls to tend sick children. She served her community as a member of Junior League of Eugene and belonged to the First Presbyterian Church. After her husband’s retirement, the couple traveled and pursued several hobbies. Soon after her husband’s death on 23 October 1976, Laura moved to Sacramento, where she lived an active life playing bridge and gardening. She moved to Biloxi in early 1998, living at the Methodist Retirement Community until its closure. She spent her last year in Vancleave, in the loving care of Jean Simmons, Karen Richards, and their assistants. At 95, Laura remained joyful and a delight to those who tended and visited her. She set a standard of style, grace, and good sense in life--she never lost her Atlanta accent and Southern charm. Two children survive, Robin M. Overstreet of Ocean Springs, MS, and Jeannie Overstreet Obrien of Carmichael, CA. Other survivors include four grandchildren: Brian (and wife, Darlene) Overstreet of Mobile; Eric (and wife, Cindy) Overstreet of Portland, OR; Laura O’Brien of Sacramento; and John O’Brien of Sacramento. Additional survivors include her daughter-in-law, Kim Overstreet; two great-grandchildren, Jackson and Madison Overstreet of Mobile; and numerous nieces and nephews and their offspring scattered across the country. Friends and family will gather to celebrate her life at a memorial service on 28 December 2007 in the Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Homes at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests gifts to charities of choice.